Learn about the Hiring Process

Each employer has a unique hiring process. Below are four steps that most employers use. It is important for every job seeker to do well at each step.  

1. The employer looks for the right people for their job opening.
Many start by looking at their own employees. They may ask for referrals from employees and others they know. This is called networking. You will learn more about networking later in this section. Employers might consider people that they have met or know in the industry. Employers might advertise the job. They may advertise on websites or online job boards. Employers may work with a recruiter or agency. They may go to job fairs. Employers also ask applicants to send resumes and cover letters to the company.
2. The employer screens the applications.
Often times, there are many people who apply for one job. The employer takes out the ones who aren't a good match. People may not have the right skills or experience. Or they don't do a good job describing how they are a good fit for the job. Then, the employer may call a candidate on the phone to ask them questions. Or they have people come in for an interview.
3. The employer sets up interviews with people who seem to fit their needs.
At the interview, the employer asks people about their skills and background. They are also looking to see if people will fit with their company. They look for things like a "can do" attitude, and people who can get along with others. They also want people who like to learn and work hard. Interviews give the job seeker an opportunity to interview the employer as well- you want to make sure that this job is a good fit.
4. The employer makes an offer to a selected applicant.
The employer chooses the person they want to hire and offers them the job. If they accept the job then it is time to discuss the salary and benefits. This is called negotiation. This agreement has to benefit both parties. Sometimes the salary and benefits are not negotiable, but other things like the probation period and the work schedule are negotiable. A job seeker can walk away from an offer if it is not good for him or her.

Market Yourself

It is very important that you can show that you are a good fit for a job. Sometimes the person who gets a job may not be the most skilled candidate for that position, but they may have been good at promoting themselves. Here are some tips to help you market yourself.

Create your “30 second commercial.”

You have 30 seconds to talk about yourself to a potential employer. You want this person to know your job target and why you’re a good fit. Practice your speech with people who can give you feedback. Do they understand what kind of job you’re looking for? Do they understand why you would be good at it?

Example of a 30 second commercial:

• “My name is Jane Doe. I have two years experience as an office assistant. I also took classes in project management at Whatever College. I have worked in customer service most of my life. I was part of the team that completed the public initiative charter. I'm looking for an administrative support position or any position that can use my administrative and project management skills. Please let me know if I can help you or any of your colleagues on any special projects. ”

 Use the 30 Second Commercial (pdf) to create your own.

Create your "elevator speech."

People who hire are very busy. So are people who can help you find a job. You’ll be more effective if you can explain your job search targets. An elevator speech can be a good tool to use.

Directions: Think about being in an elevator. You have one minute to talk about yourself to a potential employer. You want this person to know your job target and why you’re a good fit. Practice your speech with people who can give you feedback. Do they understand what kind of job you’re looking for? Do they understand why you’d be good at it?

Examples of elevator speeches:

• “My name is Jane Doe. I have two years experience as an office assistant. I also took classes in project management at Whatever College. I have worked in customer service most of my life. I'm looking for an administrative support position. I'd really like to work for a medical company. Do you know of any jobs in that area?"
• "I'm John Doe, and I'd love to be your caterer for your next event. I have worked as a chef for six years. I'm starting my own catering company. I can make good food for memorable events."

Use the Create your "elevator speech" (pdf) to create your own. 

Build Your Network

Did you know that most job openings are not advertised? It's true — most employers have enough applicants without advertising. They often prefer to find employees from people they trust. This network of referrals is the "hidden job market." You can tap into this network by getting to know people who can help you. 

Use the Your Network (pdf) to organize everyone that is in your network. 

Tips for Building Your Network
Ask for information. You can ask about the occupation. You can also ask about industries or employers. You ask about what you want to know. Be polite. Don’t be too pushy or you may turn people off.
Be prepared to talk about yourself. Make sure you’re clear about your job skills and background for your job target. Have your resume ready.
Follow good networking habits. Networking is about building relationships. Think about ways to give something back to those who have helped you. Your contacts will be more likely to help you if you have helped them in the past.
Find people in your job target. Start with friends, family members, past coworkers, and neighbors. They may know someone in your target job. Tell them about your career goals and skills you have.
Send thank-you notes when people are helpful to you. Always show that you appreciate their time and thank them for any information, referrals, or job leads you get.
Find a mentor. This is a person who knows about the occupation you are interested in. Get feedback on your job search ideas and questions. Ask to shadow someone on the job.
Look into professional groups. See if your job target has a professional group. Many members are eager to help job seekers. They may know employers with job openings. They can also help you stay up to date in your industry. Meetup is a great place to find targeted networking groups! You can even start your own group.
Keep your key contacts informed about your efforts in the job search. Your key contacts want to help you.  Avoid being considered spam by sending too many emails to a large number of emails at once. Some of your contacts may not be comfortable with you sharing their contact information, and will be less likely to help you if your emails get sent to a junk folder.

Find Job Openings

Employers look favorably on job seekers who know about them. They also like job seekers who know why they are a good fit. Think about the type of job you really want and go after it.

Now, spend time researching employers. How do you know which employers to research? There are two ways. One is by finding advertised job leads. The other is searching the hidden job market by using the contacts in your network. Look at each employer’s website for job openings.
Here are some ways to find job leads. Once you find job leads, make sure you research each employer. See Research Employers before you apply. Then, contact employers directly.
 

Find Advertised Jobs
General	Career Builder
	Career One-Stop
	Craigslist
	Houston Chronicle
	Indeed
	LinkedIn
	Monster
Non Profit	Idealist
	Find Non Profit Jobs
	Foundation Center
	Non Profit Oyster
	Opportunity Knocks
	United Way of Houston Job Bank
Government	City of Houston
	Federal Jobs
	State of Texas
Self-Employment	US Small Business
Work from Home	FlexJobs
Niche	Dice: IT
	Disaboomjobs: jobs for people with disabilities
	MyPartTime
	Retirement Jobs
	Roadtechs: engineers, technicians and skilled trades

Research and Contact Employers

Employers prefer to hire employees that already know about their industry and their company. This exercise will help you organize the information you find about your target employers.

Use Research occupations, industries, and companies (pdf)
to target your job search.

Contact Employers
Once you know a bit about your target employers, you can call them. Use your research for this call. If you feel like you have a good connection, offer to send a cover letter and resume. Use the Employer Contact Script (pdf) to help write your email. 

Tips for Calling Employers
Find a quiet place to call from. Make sure there are no distractions, and you will not be interrupted during the call.
Write down what you want to say. This is important if you are not used to calling employers. Don't read your script; your conversation should be natural.
Smile while you are talking on the phone. It makes your voice sound cheerful and relaxed.
Your outgoing voicemail message should not have music or jokes on it. Just say your name and ask the caller to leave a message.
Tell your roommates and family that employers will be calling. Ask them to take clear messages and give them to you right away.
Call back all employers who call you, even if you no longer want the job.
Return all phone calls within 24 hours.

 

How to E-Mail Employers
Use a simple e-mail address with your name or initials for your job search. Don't use inappropriate nicknames or jokes like "cutiepie@email.com."
Start the e-mail with something of interest to the reader. Let them know right away why you are writing and how you can help their business.
Have a subject line that is clear and interesting.
At the end of your message, tell the employer you plan to follow-up. Give them another way contact you such as your phone number. If you sent the e-mail without them knowing, ask if they want you to keep in touch with them in another way.
Before sending- check for the correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
If the employer does not contact you, and you really want an interview, call them. Follow up after one week of your initial email.

Apply for Jobs

Employers ask about job seekers in several ways. Pay close attention to what the employer wants from job seekers. Make sure you send them the documents they request, which may include: a list of references, a writing sample, or a portfolio of work. Here are common documents to apply for jobs. This includes applications, resumes, and cover letters.

Job Applications
Employers often use a form to learn about each job seeker. This form is called an application. They compare the job seekers to determine who match their jobs best. Use words from the job description to show that you are a fit.
 

Job Application Tips
Make a rough draft. Get your references now. Get a copy of an application (pdf) or use the one provided in this handbook. Fill in all of the fields. Make sure you know all of your past employers and the dates you worked. You’ll also need addresses and phone numbers of past employers. Get feedback on how you answer each question. Use your rough draft to fill in all of your applications.
Follow the directions. Be honest. Read the entire application before you start it. Pay close attention to what they ask of you. Do not write in sections where they say “do no write below this line." Also, do not write where they say “for office use only.”
Fill out applications neatly and completely, and use correct spelling and grammar. Answer all of the questions. If one doesn’t apply to you, you can use “N/A.” This means “not applicable." This shows the employer that you did not overlook anything.
Always list your "position desired." This is your job search target or the title from a job lead.
Give a range for your salary. Employer may use this question to screen out applicants. Use a range or say “negotiable.” This leaves you room to negotiate a higher wage.
Give positive reasons for leaving jobs. Choose your words carefully with this question. Don't say "Fired," "Quit," "Illness," or "Personal Reasons." Instead, use reasons like: “voluntarily resigned”, “left employer voluntarily”, or “voluntarily quit.”

Write Your Resume

A resume is a communication tool. Job seekers use it to list their skills and experience. Employers use resumes to choose who to bring in for an interview.

Resumes are not a list of what you did. They list what you can do and what your major accomplishments have been. When describing work experience, start with an action verb. Do not say “responsible for.” Good resumes use skill language. List the common skills and experience that employer’s want. Again, use your occupational research to find out what employers want.
 

Resume Formats
A chronological resume (pdf) lists your work history starting with the most recent. This is the most common type. It is used by people who are staying in an occupation.
A functional resume (pdf) groups your skills and experience by skill areas. These skill areas are called “functions.” It is used mostly by people who have little to no work history, and by people that are changing occupations.
A combination resume combines the other two formats. It groups your skills by function. It also lists a work history. It is used by people who are changing occupations or those returning to the workforce after a long break.

 

What to Include on Your Resume
Contact information tells the employer how to reach you. It is very important for setting up interviews. Most people list their city, state, email and phone number.
You may want to consider starting your resume with your profile section. This will include a summary statement which will show how you are a good fit for this job. You can highlight your skills and traits that make you successful.
Education lists your degrees and classes. Include licenses or certifications.
Your work experience describes where you worked. It also describes your skills and accomplishments at each of your previous jobs.
Your accomplishments, awards, and community service on the job or in school. Also include money that you earned or saved past companies, number of customers you helped, or other outcomes that help a business run well.

Online Resume Writing Resources

• JFS Houston
• Workforce Solutions

Create Cover Letters

A cover letter is a letter that you often send to the employer with your resume. The cover letter makes your resume more personal, and is targeted to a job lead and employer. This shows the employer that you read and understood the job description and gives the employer key points about why you are the right person for that job. You can view a sample cover letter template (pdf) here.

Parts of a Cover Letter
Heading and greeting Every cover letter needs the date. List your name and how to contact you. Address the letter to a specific person when possible. Be sure to follow directions regarding subject reference. The employer may request that you reference the position you are applying for, the date the position was posted, etc.
Opening and introduction Explain who you are and why you are writing. Tell them how you found out about the position.
Body Sell yourself. Reveal why you are a perfect and unique match for the position. Explain why you have chosen the employer. No more than 2 short paragraphs.
Assertive closing Be positive. Tell them that you will contact them, and when. Thank them for their time. Be sure to follow up when you say you will.

References

When you apply for jobs, you will likely be asked for references. References are people who can talk about your skills and work history. Choose your references carefully. You want to list about 3 people who will say good things about you.
Here are some rules about getting and listing references.

1. If possible, talk to your supervisor before you leave a job and ask if he/she will give you a reference. The best possible reference is a recent supervisor. If you don’t have a good one you can use past supervisors, coworkers, supervisees, volunteer managers, teachers, etc. Other nonstandard but acceptable reference providers: current/former clients, academic counselors, business partners, funders, and colleagues at another company/agency. If you have a job and don’t want your current employer to know that you are looking for a new one, ask a colleague that you can trust.
2. References come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In order from best to worst, they are:
   a. Someone who knows you well, thinks you’re great, is interested in helping you to advance your career, and will respond quickly and cheerfully to a telephoned reference request.
   b. Someone interested in helping you to advance your career, but can’t give details over the phone for legal reasons. Ask him/her to write you a general letter of recommendation.
   c. Someone who will confirm your past employment over the phone.
   d. Someone who says they will do any of the above, and then doesn’t. Feel free to check by having a friend call them and pretend to be a prospective employer!
3. Always tell your reference that you are listing them. Before you list any person as a reference, ask for permission. Make sure they have an updated copy of your resume, and a good idea of what kind of jobs you are applying for, and when you are scheduled to interview, so they can be prepared to answer questions well.
4. Keeping in touch with your references periodically also helps in maintaining up to date contact information. Be sure to connect with them via LinkedIn.
5. Bring a copy of your references to the interview. Your reference list should be separate from your resume. Make sure that you have a separate page that you can hand over upon request. This way you will have the exact contact information on hand if the application asks you to list references during the interview.

 Online Cover Letter & References Resources

• Career One-Stop Cover Letter
• iSEEK References
   

Know How to Interview

Your resume and cover letter grabbed the attention of the employer and you have been asked to come in for an interview. Are you prepared to turn those interviews into job offers?

• Interview Tips
• Interview Preparation Activities
• Some Questions to Ask the Employer
• Preparing for Behavioral Interview Questions
• Common Mistakes made During the Interview
• Follow-up After the Interview

Interview Tips
Setting Up Job Interviews Think about what you are going to say before you pick up the phone to call an employer. You want the employer to think of you as a good future employee. You will have about 20 seconds to make the employer want to meet you. Therefore, what you say has to be brief, to the point, and persuasive.
Prepare for an Interview The day before your interview, think about what types of questions the employer might ask you and prepare answers you can give in less than 2 minutes. Plan your interview attire ahead of time. Map out the location and estimate travel. This will help you get organized and be less stressed the day of the interview. On the day of the interview: Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You might need to fill out paperwork before the interview. Go by yourself. If a friend or relative drives you, have them wait in the car. Wear an outfit that is professional looking. It should fit the type of job for which you are interviewing. Be cautious of wearing cologne/perfume in case your interviewer has allergies.
What to Bring to an Interview Extra copies of your resume, your reference list, and if necessary a portfolio or examples of your work. Papers needed to complete your application. This includes copies of work licenses, your driving record (if required), and your social security or immigration cards. Questions for you to ask during the interview.
During the Interview Display confidence. Shake hands firmly, but only if a hand is offered to you first. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Let the interviewer start the conversation. Listen carefully. Give honest, direct answers. Accept all questions with a smile, even the hard ones. Take your time when answering the hard questions. Think about your answers in your head before you talk. Make sure you stay on topic when responding to a question. If you don't understand a question, ask to hear it again or for it to be reworded. You don't have to rush, but you don't want to appear indecisive.

Interview Preparation Activities

Do these activities before every interview – if possible, go over the questions and answers with a friend (at the very least in the mirror!), and practice your answers until they sound polished and confident (but not rehearsed!).

Practice Activities
Ten reasons why you’re the perfect person for the job These are the key facts from your experience, skills, accomplishments and/or personality that make you a good match for the job. Try to work one of them into every answer you give – and if at the end of the interview you realize one or more of them hasn’t come up, bring it up!
Ten questions they will ask you during the interview, and your answers Include both standard and ‘situational’ questions. Your answers should be brief, complete, and thoughtful.
Questions to ask them about the job or company Show that you’re interested! Pretend you’re a reporter and you’re going to write a story about the company and/or job – what would you want to know? Use the Sample Questions on the next page to start your list.
Ten things to avoid doing/saying during the interview What mistakes have you made in past interviews? What bad habits do you want to avoid displaying, or issues you want to avoid disclosing?

Online Interviewing Resources

• iSEEK Interviews
• Quint Careers

Sample Questions to Ask the Employer During the Interview
Below is a list of questions you may consider asking during your interview. If you already know the answer to the question; either from the job description, information provided during the interview, or from your research of the company online; do NOT ask the question. If you still need clarification about anything that can be found while researching the company, be clear about where you found the information and follow it up with the question.

• How long has this company/organization been open? (Remember; never ask anything you can find out on the website!)
• Is this a new position? Has it been open long? (Optional: Why did the previous person leave?)
• What are the main objectives and responsibilities of the position?
• What is your definition of success for this position?
• What are usually the most challenging aspects of the job?
• What are the priorities for this position in the next 2-3 months? The next year?
• Who will be my supervisor?
• Could you describe the team I’ll be working with?
• How would you describe the culture of the office?
• How would you describe your perfect candidate for this job?
• What’s the normal path & timeframe for advancement within the company?
• At what point would you expect me to be ‘up to speed’ with the duties of the job?
• What are your company/organization’s goals for the next year?
• How do you feel I fit with the qualifications you have defined for this position?
• What is your timeline for hiring?
• How is this position funded?
• What is your favorite part about working here?
• Can you clarify what ______ means in the job description?
• What is the supervision style here?
• What is a typical day like here?

Preparing for Behavioral Interview Questions
(adapted from www.quintcareers.com)

Behavioral questions try to get at how you responded to negative situations, for example: ‘Tell me about a time where you had to resolve a customer complaint.’ The best way to prepare for behavioral questions is to have examples of negative experiences ready, but try to choose negative experiences that you made the best of or -- better yet, those that had positive outcomes.

Here's a good way to prepare for behavior-based interviews:

• Identify six to eight examples from your past experience where you demonstrated top behaviors and skills that employers typically seek. Think in terms of examples that will exploit your top selling points.
• Half your examples should be totally positive, such as accomplishments or meeting goals.
• The other half should be situations that started out negatively but either ended positively or you made the best of the outcome.
• Vary your examples; don't take them all from just one area of your life.
• Use fairly recent examples.
• Use the STAR Method to answer your questions

Situation or Task	Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.
Action you took	Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did -- not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did.
Results you achieved	What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Use the STAR Interview Worksheet (pdf) to write down your scenarios.

Common mistakes made during the interview that significantly reduce your chances of being offered the position.
Application form or resume is incomplete or sloppy	Nervousness or lack of confidence and poise
Arriving late for the interview	No genuine interest in the company or job or overemphasis on money
Didn’t ask questions about the job	Overly aggressive behavior
Failure to express appreciation for interviewers time	Poor personal appearance
Lack of interest and enthusiasm	Responding vaguely to questions
Lack of maturity	Unwillingness to accept entry-level position
Lack of planning for career; no purpose and no goals	Answering your cell phone while in the office
Negative attitude about past employers	Being impolite to anybody at the employer’s site or office

Follow-up after the interview.

Send a thank-you letter or note (pdf) to each person who interviewed you. Your letter should cover these main points:

• Thank the interviewer(s) for their time.
• Say you are interested in working for them.
• Briefly state why you are qualified for the job and why you are interested in the position. You may want to mention something you didn’t get to discuss during your interview or you may want to remind the interviewer(s) of something you discussed during the interview that created a positive response.
• You may want to take this opportunity to mention any information that you forgot to say during the interview.
• Put anything that will help them remember who you are- did you have any personal connection or rapport building? Do you have any specialized work experience or training?
• Add a final "thank you" for the opportunity to interview.
• Say how you plan to follow up.

If you told the interviewers that you would give them added information, make sure that you do. Keep track of when you said you would contact this employer to find out if you were hired. Don't forget to make that contact.

Be sure to check the grammar, spelling, word use and punctuation before sending the thank you note or letter. If you choose to write your letter by hand, check with a friend to verify that your handwriting is legible.

Negotiate a Job Offer

Negotiating your salary is a key part of the job search. Wait until after you get a job offer to talk about pay and benefits. Negotiating is a two-way street. People make these deals differently. Use the tips below that work for you.

Negotiating Tips
Think about the offer Know what salary you can expect for the occupation by researching the average salary at salary.com. Think about your pay needs based on your household budget activity. Try to find out what the company pays before the interview. Call the human resources office or your networking contacts. Pay is only one part of job compensation. A job with low pay might have good benefits like a flexible schedule or health insurance. Think about the job offer in terms of your needs and long-term career and life goals. Talk over the offer with someone you respect. Make a list of the pros and cons.
Use good communication skills If you can, do not accept a job on the spot. It's common to get a few days to think about it. Even if you know you are going to say "yes," ask for 24 hours. When offered the job, make it clear if you want it. If you are not sure, say there are some items you would like to discuss before you can accept the job. Listen carefully to the offer. If it is different or less than you expected, let them know that. Say you are still interested in the job if they want to reconsider their offer. Ask for basic, practical benefits first. Those requests might include more money, tuition, or training. You might also ask for more vacation time, a flexible schedule, stock options, or parking privileges. Negotiations should never be mean or emotional. This is a business meeting. Use your values and skills to negotiate. Do not use your need for the job to negotiate.
Understand the rules of the game Don't assume the first offer is fixed. Even if the interviewer tells you it is, it rarely is. Did they offer the same pay and benefits a few days later? That's probably the final offer. When this happens, you can ask for a six-month review to look at your performance and pay. You can also turn down the job and ask that they keep you in mind for future openings. But don't burn bridges — you never know what might happen. Don't say "no" as a trick to negotiate for more pay. You could lose the job forever. When you accept their offer, ask them to put the pay and benefits in writing.

Job Search Resources for Special Populations

Below is a list of online resources that provide information for specific populations.

Individuals with Disabilities
State of Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS)
JFS MainStreet
Career and Recovery Services
Goodwill Industries of Houston
Your Ticket to Work

Mature Workers
Jewish Family Service Employment Services
AARP Job Hunting
Department of Labor: Information for Seniors

Veterans
Veteran Employment
Employment VetSuccess
GI Bill
America’s Heroes at Work
Vet Success
Career One Stop: Military Transition
Resources for Human Development: Veterans Issues

Youth
Career and Recovery Services
Workforce Solutions
Resources for Human Development: Youth Development
YMCA of Houston

Job Search Information for Ex-Offenders

Many people with criminal records have very good careers. It may be difficult to search for a job if you have a felony conviction, but it isn’t impossible.

Part of a successful life after incarceration is getting and keeping a good job. Besides getting paid, having a steady job can also give you:

• An employment history that can help you find even better jobs down the road.
• A feeling of pride.
• The time to learn about different ways of thinking and doing things

There are many programs that help people reenter the workforce after a criminal conviction. One great program is the Federal Bonding Program (FBP), a program that guarantees the job honesty of “at-risk” job seekers to encourage employers to hire former offenders. To get in contact with your State Bonding Coordinator and find a One Stop near you, call1.877.US2.JOBS (1.877.872.5627). Check out the websites below to find programs and articles that can help you with your job search.

Resources for Ex-Offenders

• Impact Services
• Goodwill
• Federal Bonding Program
• Criminal Record Assistance
• Employment Background Checks FAQ
• Career and Recovery

Succeed in the Workplace

You've found a good job. Now, how do you live up to your employer's expectations? What can you do to show you deserve a raise or a promotion? Here are some tips to help you keep and succeed in your new job:

Succeed in the Workplace
Stick to your work schedule Always be on time to work. Have a backup plan for transportation and child care. If you are running late, call your boss as soon as possible. Don't take time off in the first few weeks. Let your new boss know you're dependable. Leave and return from breaks on time. Let your supervisor know when you will be away from your workstation.
Follow the rules at work Know the company rules and policies. Pay attention to all manuals, orientations, and safety lessons. If you are not sure of a policy, ask your supervisor or human resources. Follow the proper chain of command if you have a problem at work. Talk to your immediate supervisor first, unless told to do something else.
Dress appropriately When you start a new job, find out what clothing looks OK and is safe to wear. Always come to work clean and well groomed. Do not wear heavy perfumes or colognes. Go easy on the makeup. Look like you take pride in yourself and your job.
Act professionally Don't make personal phone calls or use company equipment for your own tasks. Speak in a way that's appropriate for work. Don't use curse words, slang, or speak too casually to customers or your boss. Never use alcohol or illegal drugs at work. You could get fired if caught. It could also keep you from being hired for other jobs.
Get along with others Be a team player and help coworkers with projects. You will likely share a workspace with a co-worker, so be courteous. Hang around coworkers who have good attitudes and work hard. Everyone has different views of politics, religion, and cultures. Most companies have rules supporting diversity. Remember: you are now a representative of the company. Everything you do reflects on your employer.